Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Works For Me: BACKWARDS DAY!

I don't know about you, but I've been looking forward to this!

Today is Backwards Day at Works-For-Me Wednesday. Instead of sharing a tip that has worked for you, you'll throw out an issue or question that has stumped you (preferably not something like quantum physics, y'all). Keep it short and keep it specific, and watch (hopefully) the suggestions come flooding through your comments sections.

I have two of my own for anyone who would care to weigh in.

Has anyone ever found a really good eyeliner that is actually smudge-proof? Because I've been wearing make up for over 20 years, and I've never found one that stands up to my tough smudge standards. I'm about to resort to a Sharpie marker!

Do you have any ideas for storing kitchen spray cleaner in an attractive way? I don't like to keep mine under the counter, because I use it so often. But keeping a bottle of 409 isn't exactly my idea of cute. I was hoping one of you had come up with an idea for doing this cleverly.

Now it's your turn! Leave a link to your WFMW Backwards Day post below. The guidelines are the same as those in a normal week, so you first-timers please read through them.

as far as the spray cleaner goes...you can buy clear spray bottles and decorate them yourself. Have your children paint them, or just do something cute yourself. They also sell them plain or with some designs, but nothing really "cute". Personally, if I had mine out all the time and was worried about it not looking nice, I'd let my kids decorate it...but then, I have a very creative 11-year-old, and I have "art" from all 3 of my kids all over my house :)

oh yeah...they also sell these things...they're covers for kitchen appliances and such (like toasters) and I know I've seen them in various sizes, so you might be able to find one that would attractively cover a spray bottle :)

sharpie sounds good to me. after all, i don't wear makeup...well, almost never. i was going to suggest the same as the commenter above who said to buy plain spray bottles and decorate them yourself. or just plain bottles might be prettier than the big ol' 409 on the counter... i can't believe i'm in the first 20 this week:-)

I have some 409 on my counter in a cute spray bottle that we used to use for the cat long ago. It works well, and on one knows what it is!
I am not a makeup person, wear it maybe...a dozen times a year. I have found though that the non-twisting kind does work better!

I have had the same problem with eyeliner! What works for me is to dip a Q-tip in my Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil (I suppose any translucent face powder would work, but I've only used the Mineral Veil) first, then "line" under my eyes with it. Then I apply Revlon Colorstay liner on top and it stays all day! I use Urban Decay Primer Potion on my lids and I have read that it will work under the eye too, but haven't tried that yet!

As for storing kitchen spray cleaner in an attractive way, well we have to keep ours up out of the little guy's reach but we use a lazy susan (the round spinning thing) in one of our kitchen cabinets so it's easy to find and grab.

I'm afraid I can't help with either one. I don't do eyeliner very well -- I don't have a steady hand at all! And my 409 stays under the sink. For a while there I was seeing ladies make cute little aprons for their dish soap -- maybe something like that would work for 409 as well?

NO! I have never found eyeliner that didn't smudge - I'm so glad it's not just me, I thought I was makeup-handicapped or something! I'll be eagerly checking for someone to find a solution...um, other than Sharpie marker. ;)

I can't help you on the eyeliner problem, and my suggestion for the spray bottles has already been mentioned. I think it would be cute to buy plain spray bottles and let the kids decorate them. I might to this myself.

Hmm, I can't really help with either of those - I wear mascara so rarely anymore and my idea of smudge-proof is remembering to not rub my eyes... ;) And I have disinfecting wipes looking extremely un-cute on my kitchen counter as well. I'll be interested to see what you find out though!

And hoping someone can help me with sleep and potty issues over at my place too... :)

I was just going to comment that I like my eyeliner to look slightly smoky and smudgy, (yes, I was thinking of just those words!) and then Robin had to go and call me a heroine addict! Hmph! I'm kidding, but I really do use the eyeliner that has the little smudger on one end. I don't like the drawn line look.

I too had your problems with eyeliner and eye shadow. By the time I got to work it was gone! Recently though, I got some Mary Kay eye primer and now my eye makeup glides on smooth and seriously stays on even if I shower! Just as long as I don't scrub it stays on. Regular make-up remover does remover it though. This only works for the lids not the under eye liner.

I use the Method Cleaners that you can buy at target. They clean our messes really well! They also come in attractive, clear bottles that have labels you can peel off. There are several different scents so you can pick a scent and color that you like. I keep them on my windowsill above the sink because I use it constantly!! Hope this helps. Good luck with the eyeliner too!

I'd go with the Sharpie. After all they come in those OH SO LUSCIOUS colors. And unlike your expensive eye liner brand, you never lose a Sharpie. They are ever so handy as they get such frequent use in labeling children's wear, ziploc bags, and lettering signs such as: I'M HAVING A TIME OUT. LEAVE ME ALONE. LOVE, YOUR MOMMY. And of course now...for eye liner! The New Sharpie - it's everything to every mom. Hey, you could even use it to label your pretty new spray bottle storage container, too!

I use Revlon Color Stay eyeliner. While not perfect, it is the best I've found in my long search for smudge free eyeliner. Their lip liner works great too. I put lip balm on and use it for lipstick that actually stays.

I can't help on the eyeliner - I have the same problem myself. I find that what holds up best, actually, is to take solid eyeshadow with a little brush, wet the brush, and then apply the shadow as a liner. It still doesn't hold up great, though.

But - with regards to the spray cleaner - you can buy very pretty little glass or metal misting bottles at gardening stores. You could fill that bottle with your 409 and set it on your counter if you wanted. My only concern would be marking the bottle in such a way that people knew what was in it - especially since you still have little ones. Good luck!

Shannon - I just HAVE to say about how frustrating it is when people take part in something like this but won't allow comments from people who use wordpress!! I presume it's the same for anyone who doesn't use blogger.

I mean I hate to moan but when we take the time to read the post and come up with an answer it's a real bummer if you can't post it!

The best eyeliner is Mary Kay and it's only $10 which unfortunately is actually a good price in today's cosmetic world. It really stays on though - the reason I switched to it is because my beautiful friend always looked so gorgeous and my eyeliner was always drooping so low it looked like a moustache. So I had to ask her what she used and get some! I've got a good MK lady if you need one, you can order online and it's free shipping. :)

Socks, my husband and son now wear the same size socks, they are plain grey or plain black. My tip is to buy one of them plain weave socks ,the other one ribbed socks. It does save me from any confusion and the sock hider is revealed!

Socks, my husband and son now wear the same size socks, they are plain grey or plain black. My tip is to buy one of them plain weave socks ,the other one ribbed socks. It does save me from any confusion and the sock hider is revealed!

Someone else recommended Mary Kay and I would second or third that. I use Mary Kay liquid liner in brown. I like the one with a little brush applicator on the end of the wand. I wipe the excess off the brush on the inside of the tube, (like fingernail polish) and apply a very thin line on my eyelids. The key is the very very very very thin line of liner. Since it is liquid it is dark enough to do the job. I don't know if they have colors other than black and brown, but I think they have gray. I've been using it smudge free for over 10 years. It works for me.

I had the same issue with eyeliner. I went to see a makeup artist for "lessons" and shared my concerns with her. She used a "cake liner" (like a heavier eye shadow) to line my eyes. She applied it with a small angled brush. It stayed on really well. She said if I couldn't find cake liner (which I couldn't), that eyeshadow works just as well. So, now I line my bottom lids in dark brown eye shadow that I apply with the small angled brush. It's not a perfect solution -- but the result is HEAPS better than eyeliner for me. I don't end up looking like a racoon on most days. Also, for me, I really had to focus on not rubbing my eyes so much during the course of the day. HTH!

I'm not cosmetcally inclined so I am no help with your first question, but what about taking a pice of fabric and sewing up a cute little bottle slip cover? You could sew in a piece of ribbon and tie that cute up around the neck so that you can still spray the bottle. Just a thought. :)

You know... I'm wondering the exact same thing about the spray bottle, and I'm surprised you haven't sewn (sp?) something for it!

As for the eyeliner ... Mary Kay has the best eyeliner. It does NOT smudge, and stays on all day long. I've tested just about everything out in the market and found this one to be the best. I use the Sable (which is now "Dark Brown") and love it.

Since you have actually spent time with me and realize that makeup and I don't really have a solid relationship, more of a topsy-turvy run-in now and then, I will refrain from pretending that I know a thing about it.

As for the sprays, I suggest that since you're remodeling your kitchen anyway, you could build in some cool pullout spray nozzles all around the kitchen. Or maybe not.

Go with the cute bottles that are color-coated to your kitchen. But for heaven's sake, remember what you put in them!

Okay, I didn't read any of the other comments yet. I think I'll need like 2 hours to go through this WFMW post!!
I will tell you what I do for my all-purpose cleaner. First off, I use only Method brand - they work just as well (if not better imho) than all the others I have tried (409 included) and you don't need a mask to use them! Also, they come in nicely-shaped clear bottles with very attractive colored liquid inside. You could display it as it, but here's what I do: I soak the bottle overnight to get the label off and then I simply tie a coordinating color ribbon around the middle of the bottle (below where your trigger hand will hit). Voila - a BEAUTIFUL cleaning supply bottle full of safe-for-you-and-the-environment goodness!!!

As for the eyeliner - can't help you there, I am on the brink of a sharpie as well! Looks like I'll be reading your commenters to get some tips!

Sometimes, in place of eyeliner, I use eyeshadow. Wet the tip of the sponge applicator, then dip it in eyeshadow. Apply to your lash line as if you were using eye liner. I've had excellent results with this method, and it also blends better than a harsh pencil line.

As for the cleaner...you could switch to a nontoxic cleaner like 7th Generation or make your own vinegar cleaner, and store it in a cute squirt bottle. I have one for misting plants I got at the garden dept in Walmart. Just label what's in the bottle for safety reasons!

For the eye liner I use Avon's Glimmersticks. They are only @6 bucks and they work great for me! Now, be careful they have different eyeliners and I don't like their other ones, only the Glimmersticks.

You're on your own with the 409. I would say, buy a glass spritz bottle and paint it yourself.

Hi Shannon, just dropping by and wanted to comment. I can't help much with the eyeliner, I wear cover girl eyeliner, becasue it goes on well, but by the end of the day it has smudged all around my eyes. But, I do know someone who actually had eyeliner tatooed onto her eyes :) I guess its one less thing she has to do in the morning!

Ok Ok Ok.. Seriously, I have resulted in blackest black sharpie [kidding] I don't wear eyeliner anymore due to looking like I have been crying by the end of the day..

My son is addicted to [spraying] anything he can get his trigger finger hands on.. I'm looking for a way to camoflauge the bottles actually..["Mom!, Brandon sprayed out all my melon maddness again!"] *sigh*

I usually use Mary Kay eyeliner and have never really had a problem with smudging, but it does wear off if you touch your eyes alot. However, liquid eyeliner is making a comeback. I bought some from E.L.F. last week and if you can get it on straight (which takes practice!) it does not smear or come off until you wash it off. Good luck! :)

Spray bottle: Method had some cute spray bottles of counter cleaner last holiday season. The bottles were made with solid colored perl-like looking plastic. I picked up the green one and it looks kinda cute sitting there on the counter.

Eyeliner: I asked Kristen the Shoe Addict this question last week via email and she recommended the Make Up For Ever line. I have placed my order but haven't tried it yet. Should I let you know how it works once my package arrives?

I don't like looking at 409 bottles either, and I hate having to fish under the sink (with the childproof locks of course) to get it every time I need it. I bought a set of those pretty, fabric lined baskets at Joann fabrics when they were 50% off and have them on top of my refrigerator and on the counters... I use one of them by the sink to hold my 409, my fit vegetable wash, and my dish soap. You can still "see" the 409, but it looks so cute sitting in a pretty little basket. :)

I'm ditto'ing everyone on the cutesy spray bottles and the tattoo'ing eyeliner...that's my next plan...I love a thick black eyeliner and all the places that do permanent cosmetics do a better job than I do on my own anyway..>LOL!

This is a fantastic idea (backwards day)! I love the idea of getting to ask for help now too. Anyway I'd try to find a cute "water" spray bottle but just make sure that you label it to be careful. Good luck!

missed the second question so here's my answer: I have an antique slop bucket (I know that sounds gross but it's enamel and darling) on my counter and it holds my cleaner, dish soap, vegetable cleaner and I think that's it...but it's soo cute! So that works for me.

I didn't read all the comments but I think that putting 409 in a plain spray bottle was said. My mom would wrap the base in fabric and add a little trim that matches the colors in the ktichen with a hot glue gun - then you aren't looking at plastic.

Also, I use Cover Girl eyeliner (the kind that twists up and you don't sharpen). Never had a problem with smearing.

crap! this is my first time posting a WWFMW and I forgot to add what my post was about when I linked it. well, I'm #237 and I'm needing serious help with finding a pumpkin recipe. I want to use the guts instead of the canned stuff. any help out there?

Eye shadow and a slanted brush for eye liner, but I rarely wear it since it all makes my eyes itch and scratching them makes it smudge. Have several friends who had the tattoo thing done, and love it. But definitely NO to the sharpie!

Lots of great ideas for the spray bottle; I will look for the method product next time I am in the market!
TM

I've used Covergirl(the red eyeliner pencil) for like 25 years. YIKES! It's not *indelibly* smudgeproof, but it was better than anything else I've used, including higher-priced brands like Revlon, Almay, etc. Plus it's cheap and lasts a long time(you get 2 in each package.)It's also waterproof. I don't think I'll ever switch. I haven't tried Mary Kay, but honestly, I've never found a match to CoverGirl.
~C

I recently had my liners tattooed after 45 years of trying make-up. It was done by a wonderful aesthetician using the manual method, is a nice reasonably thin line, and it stays. I look good after a nap, when I wake up (which says a lot!) and even if ill. I waited too long to do this. I'm pretty fair and my eyes fade away - but not anymore!

I think someone mentioned a metal spray bottle? You could tie a ribbon or a scrap of material around the neck of the bottle. (Not sure if it would stay on or get wet.) I'm thinking a black and white check for fall, red and white for Christmas,etc...

(I have a Method bottle on my counter)

I use Revelon Colorstay eyeliner and Almay i color (i no u luv the kute wording!). They both stay on for me but my skin tends to be dry.

thanks for the WFMW! I have NO idea how to make spray bottles more attractive--unless you transfer to some nifty purchased bottle that matches your decor (just make sure it is properly labeled?!). That might look cute!!